SGS Universal Slot Machines

SGS Universal Slot Machines

With a claim to over 100 slot machine titles and a hefty handful of other casino games, it is a surprise that SGS Universal hasn't been able to make a substantial impression on the e-gaming world. The Ukraine based developer even has the capabilities to deliver outstandingly beautiful slot machines with 3D graphics for the HTML5 mobile market.

Perhaps the reason that this software company is relatively unknown on the online gambling circuit is is due to the fact SGS Universal has enjoyed a longer history supplying gaming machine hardware to land-based casinos. However, perhaps more telling is the fact that the tech firm hasn't been particularly savvy in its distribution of games to the online casino circuit with only four known websites stocking its games. And, as we will find out, two of those websites are not exactly considered as reputable within the online betting community.

From Ukraine to the UK

Despite only setting up shop online in 2009, SGS Universal claims to have more than 30 years of experience creating both the hardware and software to bring exciting gaming solutions to the gambling industry. With the main development studio based in Ukraine and administrative offices in the UK, the US and Switzerland, it has to be said that this company is far from being a small-time operation.

Indeed, as the company's website claims, the outfits gaming machine technology has been successfully distributed to video terminals across the West and East of the European continent.

Tech That Started on Land

So what exactly can punters expect from a SGS Universal machine? Well, the Video Lottery Terminals designed, developed and distributed by this company offer an all-inclusive gaming experience with over 25 games including slot machines, scratch cards and classic lotteries as well as Keno and Bingo. The machines are able to accept traditional monetary bills and codes as well as coupons with barcodes. Players can even use chip and PIN methods to deposit money for maximum levels of convenience.

As far as the playing experience goes, punters can hope to find progressive jackpots which are active throughout the whole network of game machines as well as on single terminals. What's more, the user-interface is designed to emulate the appearance of an internet browser, making it a seamless transition for players who are accustomed to online gambling.

Casino operators and other hosts of the VLTs offered by SGS Universal will also have full access to flexible game settings as well as a management system to ensure that their players get the best gambling experience possible.

Moving to the Online Market

If you are a bettor who likes to be surrounded by home comforts, then you will still be able to enjoy what this game-studio has to offer thanks to its dedication to online casino software. In fact, the company itself offers a casino website development service to would be operators, providing a platform for players to access their games. This online casino platform comes with all of the necessary trimmings, with marketing tools to help operators optimise their reach to the playing public as well as player support systems to ensure that existing customers are looked after.

What's more, the casino website software can be set to include progressive jackpots, bonus rewards and loyalty programmes. Because, let's face it, being rewarded with wins and prizes is one of the best things about online gambling.

Familiar Slot Machine Titles

Despite claiming that they stock over 100 slot machines, SGS Universal software only list a small selection of 30 or so slots on their website. However, this limited cross section of the company's portfolio presents a decent spread of thematic variation while showcasing the impressive capabilities of the studio's graphics and art department.

To begin with, we'll take a look at the software firm's staple slot machines – that is to say the games which have the themes that any good slot machine maker ought to stock in its collection. There is Lucky Shamrock, for example, a “Luck of the Irish” style video slot that is set within an enchanted, twee, and hokey woodland with 20 paylines, 5 reels and the potential for free spins and expanded symbol. The game also features some magical animations with stunning 3D graphics.

Pyramides, on the other hand, is a 15-payline video slot which offers some colourful two dimensional depictions of Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, as well as more free spins. Then there is Pirates, again designed with vibrant cartoon characters with wild wins and free spins with a x2 multiplier.

Admittedly, those kinds of games have been done time and time again, meaning that they have to be done really well to compete with other software studios. Although, having said that, Lucky Shamrock can be considered as one of the finest examples of its genre that we have ever seen, at least in visual aspect.

Something a Little Bit Different

Fortunately, spinners who are after something a little bit different will find plenty of games in the SGS Universal catalogue that can't be classed in any generic categories. For a start, the Ukrainian based game-studio has a penchant for games which celebrate certain aspects of Eastern European culture, with slot machines such as Russian Tales and Russian Myth, both of which present cartoon depictions of characters and beasts from traditional Russian folklore.

Ready for the Mobile Market

Some of this company's most beautifully designed slot machines belong to the HTML5 section of the catalogue, such as Farm Charm, In Vino and The Mummy. All of those games are designed to the highest visual standard with interestingly niche themes and exciting bonus features.

Then there is La Gelateria, a 3-reel game with 5 paylines and some delectably sweet ice cream symbols. If you want something truly simple to play yet stunning to look at, then you won't go wrong which games like Refresher and Smile of Fortune. Both of these games are designed with amazing attention to detail, the former revealing an epic magical battle between an ice wizard and a fire sorceress, while the latter reveals a witch character in her lab of potions.

However, the aim of these games could not be simpler, because all punters have to do is play a 50/50 game which will either double the stake or reward nothing in return.

Where Can You Play the Games?

As you can see, this software company is more than well equipped to entertain a large spread of the betting public with its online slot machines and other games. However, the outfit is somewhat hindered by a lack of decent distribution. That is because the only casinos which currently stock the above games are BetAdria Casino, El Dorado Palace Casino, Luxor Slots Casino and Gaminator Club Casino. These casino brands are fairly centred towards the Eastern European market with a variety of languages on offer such as Russian, Croatian and Bosnian, so it's no surprise that the games haven't found a larger pool of players from around the world.

Another snag is the fact that two of these casinos – Luxor Slots and Gaminator Club – have appeared as blacklisted by a number of respectable review aggregator sites. That essentially means that the casinos are considered as rogue brands which do not adhere to the rules of any recognised licensing authority.

Good Games, Bad Reputation

Of course, it is not the direct fault of SGS Universal software that these casinos have been given such a dodgy reputation. But, by mere association, it does cast some serious shadows over the reputation of this software studio. After all, the company's website makes no effort to mention any licensing authorities in an attempt to show its dedication to abiding by the rules and regulations of the online gambling world.

This is quite a shame because the games that have been released by the studio present some exciting spinning potential, especially those which are optimised for mobile playing devices.